Question Brake fluid came out of piston - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

brw · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 07:16 PM

I was putting new rotors and pads on my 2004 Sequoia today. Based on the recommendations here, I went with the Power Slot rotors and the Hawk HPS pads. When I was pushing the pistons back in to the caliper, a little fluid squirted out of the bottom inside piston on the driver's side. I was using the old pad and a C-clamp to do this. I finished the job and kept checking for leaks but didn't seem to have any. I took it out to bed the pads and didn't seem to lose any fluid. Am I screwed here?? Would appreciate some advice on what I'll need to do, if anything, to square this away. Thanks in advance for the help.

MEvang · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 08:16 PM

If fluid is getting around the seal, there is damage to the seal, piston or both. You will need to rebuild that caliper or replace it. Don't take a chance with it.
Mike

RIjon · #3 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 08:19 PM

agreed, I would replace it

scottnmos · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 08:24 PM

did it come out from around the piston or from the bleeder nipple on the bottom?

brw · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 09:54 PM

I'm almost positive that it came from around the piston and not the bleeder valve. How difficult is it to rebuild the caliper? I'm pretty mechanical but haven't done this before. Is there a "how-to" posted somewhere? Thanks.

scottnmos · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 10:35 PM

You have to split the two halves and a bunch of other stuff.....it would probably be easier to buy a new one.... and after how much time it took, cheaper too. Brakes are something I dont mess around with. If anything is wrong, I replace the whole thing. I could never forgive myself if I crashed and hurt someone because I broke something in the braking system.....just my 2 cents....

ThomasE · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 03:21 AM

There's a rebuild kit from Toyota dealer for about $30 or so, it contains all the seals, boots, grease to rebuild both front calipers. You have to use compressed air to blow out the pistons on the calipers to replace the seal. I didn't actually replace any piston seals though, I actually bought the whole kit just to get a piston boot to replace a torn one.

brw · #8 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 09:29 AM

Thanks for all of the responses thus far. Looks like I can get the "cylinder kit" from Performance Toyota in KC for $38.37. I've got an air compressor and tools just haven't had to rebuild a caliper before. Is there a "how-to" anywhere? Thanks.

MEvang · #9 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 10:15 AM

If you have never rebuilt and single piston caliper and multi piston is not a good one to start with. Plus there are a few tricks to doing the Toyota calipers to make them last. I always recommend bleed blasting the caliper half as rust is the enemy of calipers.
Check out the price of rebuilds, you might be better off.
Mike